The $7.6 million construction of the Veterans Victory Center on North Main is expected to be completed by summer 2018. The center will provide help for the 3,000 veterans at this college such as enrollment, financial aid and registration, job training and psychological and emotional issues. Photo by Brianna Rodrigue
The Victory Center is expected to be completed in summer 2018.
By Christian Erevia
cerevia@student.alamo.edu
Construction on this college’s new Victory Center has begun, and both students and faculty are eagerly anticipating its completion.
The center will be the new home to the Veterans Affairs office, disABILITY Support Services and TRiO. Students will be able to receive a number of services, including registration assistance, job training and psychological and emotional support.
The $7.6 million center will be located on North Main Avenue in front of Moody Learning Center. The placement of the center is this college’s way of centralizing services for veterans.
State Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, announced in July 2015 that this college had received $9 million in state funds to build the center, including $1.4 million for the demolition of the Service, Trade and Industry Center, which began in November. The construction of the Victory Center is being broadcast live for those interested in watching its progress.
“We’re going to use this facility as a plus and to bring in more attention to the veterans here in the San Antonio area as well as getting those veterans transitioned into the everyday lifestyle,” certified adviser Kirkland Brown said. “The transition is not an easy one, but here at San Antonio College, we’re going to make that transition an easy one.”
The VA office is excited for the new building and space, Brown said.
“We’re real excited,” Brown said. “You always want something new. It’s like getting a new toy for Christmas.”
The new center will be a big attraction to veterans thinking of attending this college, Brown said. It is a physical way of showing veterans exactly how dedicated this college is to their success.
“All we need is to get them through the door and we’ll take it from there and show them everything we have to offer,” Brown said.
TRiO Veterans services will also be located in the new facility.
The Victory Center will become a one-stop-shop for veterans at this college, Dr. DeWanna Greer, TRiO project director, said.
“It’s exciting for them to have a place because they are different in that they are not your traditional student,” Greer said. “The Victory Center will be a place where they can feel like they belong.”
To watch the construction of the Victory Center live, go to www.alamo.edu/sac/VictoryCenter/.
For more information about the Veterans Affairs office, call 210-486-0111.
